Keywords:Key messages:
is a common mental disorder that affects all.
The risk is increased by poverty, unemployment, life events such as the death of a loved one or a relationship break-up, physical illness, and problems caused by alcohol and drug use.
Depression causes mental anguish and can impact people′s ability to carry out even the simplest everyday tasks, with sometimes devastating consequences for relationships with family and friends.
Untreated depression can prevent people from working and participating in family and community life.
At its worst, depression can lead to suicide, now the second leading cause of death among 15-29-year olds globally.
Depression can be effectively prevented and treated. Treatment usually involves either psychotherapy or antidepressant medication or a combination of these.
Overcoming the stigma often associated with depression will lead to more people seeking help.

How to cite this article:. World health day 2017: Depression-let's talk. Indian J Soc Psychiatry 2017;33:5-6

World Health Day, celebrated on 7 April every year to mark the anniversary of the founding of the World Health Organization, provides a unique opportunity to mobilize action around a specific health topic of concern to people all over the world. The theme of 2017 World Health Day campaign is depression.

What is Depression?

Depression is an illness characterized by persistent sadness and a loss of interest in activities that one normally enjoys, accompanied by an inability to carry out daily activities, for at least two weeks.

In addition, people with depression normally have several of the following symptoms:

Loss of energy;

Indecisiveness;

Change in appetite;

Restlessness;

Sleeping more or less;

Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or hopelessness;

Anxiety;

Thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

Reduced concentration.

What is the Burden of Depression?

Globally:

WHO estimates that one in four people in the world will be affected by mental or neurological disorders at some point in their lives. Approximately 450 million people currently suffer from such conditions.

An estimated 350 million people are affected with depression. At its worst, it can lead to suicide; over 800,000 people die due to suicide every year.

In India:

In India, the National Mental Health Survey 2015-16 data reveals that nearly 15% Indian adults need active intervention for one or more mental health issues.

One in 20 Indian suffers from depression. It is estimated that, in 2012, India had over 258,000 suicides, with the age-group of 15-29 years being the most affected.

What is the Campaign?

The overall goal of this one-year campaign is that more people with depression, in all countries, seek and gethelp.

More specifically, it is aimed at creating a better informed general public on depression, its causes and possible consequences, including suicide, and help available for prevention and treatment; encouraging people with depression to seek help; and facilitating family, friends, and colleagues of people living with depression to provide support.

At the core of the campaign is the importance of talking about depression as a vital component of recovery. The stigma surrounding mental illness, including depression, remains a barrier to people seeking help throughout the world.

Talking about depression, whether with a family member, friend, or medical professional, in larger groups, for example in schools, workplace and social settings, or in the public domain, in the news media, blogs, or on social media helps break down this stigma, ultimately leading to more people seeking help.

What is the Slogan?

The campaign slogan is: Depression: Let's talk.

Who are we Reaching Out?

Depression can affect anyone. This campaign is for everyone, for people of all age, sex, or social status.

While the World Health Day 2017 campaign will be broad, the focus will be on vulnerable population, including demographic vulnerability (young people, women, elderly), geographical, and financial vulnerability etc.